If you’re new to cloud hosting, Cloudways might seem confusing at first.
But here’s the truth:
👉 It’s actually one of the most powerful and beginner-friendly cloud hosting platforms—once you understand the basics.
In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you exactly how to use Cloudways, even if you’re a complete beginner.
Table of Contents
🌐 1. What is Cloudways?
Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform that lets you run websites on:
- DigitalOcean
- AWS
- Google Cloud
👉 It handles server management so you can focus on your website.
🧾 2. Create a Cloudways Account
Follow these steps:
- Click your affiliate link
- Sign up with email
- Verify your account
- Login to dashboard
👉 No credit card required for trial
🚀 3. Launch Your First Server
After login:
Step-by-step:
- Click “Launch”
- Choose application → WordPress
- Name your app & server
- Choose provider (DigitalOcean recommended)
- Select server size (start with 1GB)
- Choose server location
- Click Launch Now
⏳ Takes ~5–10 minutes
🧠 4. Install WordPress
Good news:
👉 Cloudways installs WordPress automatically
To access:
- Go to Applications
- Click your app
- Copy Admin URL
- Login with credentials
🔗 5. Access Your Website
You’ll get:
- Temporary URL
- Admin login link
👉 Use this to:
- Install themes
- Add plugins
- Customize site
🌍 6. Connect Your Domain
To use your own domain:
- Go to Domain Management
- Enter your domain name
- Update DNS:
- Point A record to server IP
⏳ DNS may take a few hours
🔒 7. Install SSL Certificate
Cloudways makes this easy:
- Go to SSL Certificate
- Choose Let’s Encrypt
- Enter email + domain
- Click Install
👉 Your site becomes HTTPS instantly
⚡ 8. Optimize Performance
For best speed:
Enable:
- Varnish Cache
- Redis
- Cloudflare CDN
Also:
- Use lightweight theme
- Install caching plugin
👉 This boosts SEO & speed
🔄 9. Backups & Security
Cloudways offers:
- Automatic backups
- Manual backup option
- Firewall protection
- IP whitelisting
👉 Always enable daily backups
Final Verdict
👉 Cloudways is:
✔ Powerful
✔ Scalable
✔ Perfect for growing websites
Even beginners can use it with this guide.
Yes, but it requires basic learning. This guide makes it easy.
No, everything is managed through dashboard.
DigitalOcean 1GB plan is best for beginners.
Around 10–15 minutes.
Yes, it offers better speed and performance.
